Police Step Up Efforts to Curtail Crime in Parks 03-13-01

In response to complaints from the public, Hawaii County police have stepped up efforts to curtail drug usage, alcohol abuse and thefts in downtown Hilo parks.

At 9:10 a.m. Tuesday (March 13, 2001), a Hilo patrol officer arrested a male suspect after observing him rolling a marijuana cigarette in Kalakaua Park next to the downtown post office. The suspect, identified as James Haber, 44, of no permanent address, threw away the cigarette after he spotted the officer.

After being charged with promoting a detrimental drug and criminal littering, the suspect was released.